George Lucas has once again secured the top spot on Forbes' early 2024 Rich List, surpassing his longtime friend and supporter Steven Spielberg. With a reported net worth of $5.5 billion, the founder of Lucasfilm owes much of his wealth to the sale of his production company to Disney in 2012.
While the Star Wars franchise remains a significant revenue generator, Lucas has not directed a film since the completion of his Star Wars prequels with Revenge of the Sith in 2005. However, he has been involved as an executive producer on projects like The Clone Wars animated series and the Indiana Jones films, including 2023's Dial of Destiny. It was the lucrative sale of Lucasfilm that notably boosted his financial standing, allowing him to continue profiting from the iconic characters he introduced in the original Star Wars film in 1977.
Despite the ongoing success of the Star Wars franchise, Lucas' wealth received a substantial boost from the $4 billion acquisition by Disney. Having first been recognized as a billionaire in 1997, Lucas has frequently appeared at the top of the richest celebrity rankings in the past.
In second place, Steven Spielberg, another industry veteran, has amassed his wealth through a different approach. Spielberg, known for his continuous work behind the camera, has often opted for a percentage of box office earnings rather than a fixed paycheck for his films. Additionally, he negotiated a share of Universal theme park ticket sales, further contributing to his financial success.
The top five positions on the Forbes list also feature Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, and Jay-Z, with Kim Kardashian narrowly missing the fifth spot by $800,000. Collectively, the top 14 billionaires on the list boast a combined wealth exceeding $31 billion.
It appears that Lucas and Spielberg are poised to maintain their leading positions, with the Star Wars franchise and Spielberg's consistent success in film and television continuing to bolster their financial standings.
